Master of Science in Criminal Justice

Crime Science

Online
Classes Start January 9 and March 5. Reserve your seat today!
Classes Start Six Times Per Year For Ultimate Flexibility

Goals and Course Topics

Advance Your Career with a Crime Science Degree

TU’s crime science degree program was intricately developed from a model of crime prevention, known to be ahead of the curve in crime science education. TU’s program uses an active approach in determining why crime occurs and preventing it by focusing on the act of the crime itself, rather than the mind of the criminal.

The study of crime science is a perfect match for a criminal justice professional seeking to advance in their field, and for those non-criminal justice practitioners, such as city planners, architects, corporate security personnel, school administrators, and civil engineers whose professional responsibilities include the design of environments intended to minimize the effects of crime.

Your Crime Science Degree Program

Crime science focuses on why crime occurs, when and where it occurs and how to curtail it using an evidence-based and scientific approach. It does not examine the motivation of the criminal as do the fields of forensic psychology and criminal behavior. Instead, crime science draws from disciplines like law enforcement, psychology, engineering, biology, architecture and urban planning, for the common goal of understanding why criminal acts occur in a given environment and how they can be controlled through intentional and evidence-based environmental design.

The program focuses on Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) and its components. Through evaluation and discussion of a wide range of multi-disciplinary topics and issues, students will gain an appreciation for the role of CPTED as a component of crime science.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROGRAMS

Practical Education

The program focuses on three core tenets: the study of crime problems, scientific methods, and reduction of harm. Some basic concepts of crime science include image management, target hardening, access control, territoriality, and surveillance, all of which are examined in the program. The program uses an active approach in determining why crime occurs and strives to prevent it by focusing on the act of the crime itself. Today in the U.S., there are only a few collegiate and private programs offering a crime science degree, and TU is proud to add it as a concentration to its MSCJ degree.

Format

Online: Two terms per semester starting in January, March, May, July, August and October

Professional Fields

  • Criminalists
  • Law Enforcement Executives
  • Loss Prevention Personnel
  • Security Consultants

Rankings

U.S. News and World Report ranked Tiffin University as Ohio’s third-best online master’s degree program in criminal justice.

SR Education Group Badge - Best Online Colleges- MA Criminal Justice

Tiffin University’s online Master of Science in Criminal Justice programs are ranked #6 for the 2019 Best Master’s in Criminal Justice Online Programs by SR Education Group.

 

OPTIONAL SECOND CONCENTRATIONS

You can enhance your skillset even more by adding just a few more courses for a second concentration. The MS in Criminal Justice program offers the following second concentrations:

Master of Science in Criminal Justice Crime Science Concentration FAQ

What is crime science?

Crime science focuses on why crime occurs, when and where it occurs and how to curtail it using an evidence-based and scientific approach. It does not examine the motivation of the criminal as to the fields of forensic psychology and criminal behavior.

What is a master’s in crime science?

A master’s in crime science draws from disciplines like law enforcement, psychology, engineering, biology, architecture and urban planning, for the common goal of understanding why criminal acts occur in a given environment and how they can be controlled through intentional and evidence-based environmental design.

What can I do with a degree in crime science?

With a degree in crime science, you will be qualified for a variety of career opportunities, including positions as criminalists, law enforcement executives, loss prevention personnel, security consultants and more.  

 
Average degree completion for a full time student
30 credits
Average degree completion for a part time student
30 credits

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At a Glance

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Sample Course

Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (ENF 515)

The purpose of this course is to examine Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) and its components. Through evaluation and discussion of a wide range of multi-disciplinary topics and issues, students will gain an appreciation for the role of CPTED as a component of crime science. Students will also learn to identify and engage appropriate assets, capabilities and resources to apply CPTED in an effort to reduce crime. The course will review standards related to CPTED as part of community planning and physical security. The course will also compare CPTED to other crime prevention approaches.

Evidence-Based Policing (ENF 621)

This course will introduce students to the body of knowledge and research in policing. Evidence-based policing involves decision making through careful examination and evaluation of the best available evidence from multiple sources by applying critical thinking skills to successfully appraise the evidence in order to address answerable questions. This course will distinguish evidence-based practices from opinion and assumption in the field of policing. Students will gain an understanding of the need to develop their own evidence-based practices and learn to use the best available evidence to inform and challenge policies, practices, and decisions in their own professions.

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MS in CJ in Crime Science!

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Watch video testimonials from our students:

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"The graduate program at Tiffin University has helped me to prepare for a new career as a Police Executive and has given me the tools and credentials needed to obtain the executive positions I desire. Fortunately, being a member of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), I was eligible to receive an FOP discount which assisted me greatly with tuition cost. "
Joseph Wiesman Jr., Lieutenant
Joseph Wiesman Jr., LieutenantMS in Criminal Justice Student
“I chose Tiffin University because of the curriculum and online opportunities that allowed me to work toward my goal of obtaining an MBA while working full-time. The online program was the only way I could get the degree I wanted and move into the field I love.”
John Carpenter
John CarpenterOnline MBA Graduate
“My experience with Tiffin University so far has been nothing but positive. The program and the required courses I took seemed well-constructed and challenged me both academically and creatively. I have learned with and from my fellow students, although I feel that given the fact that the program is all online, I have learned the most from the research I had to conduct for the written assignments. I look forward to applying what I have learned at Tiffin on the job.”
Holger Grimm, Correctional Officer
Holger Grimm, Correctional OfficerMS in Criminal Justice Student
“Almost without exception, everything I’ve accomplished since my time at TU, can directly be traced back to my time as a master’s student in the criminal justice (FP), graduate program here. I can’t imagine my life without that formative education.”
Claudia Vercellotti
Claudia VercellottiMS in CJ Graduate
"My time at Tiffin University allowed me to build connections in my desired industry. The flexibility of the online program allowed me to participate in an internship with a major NFL team while still being a full-time student.”
John Rini
John RiniOnline MBA Graduate
"While adjusting to balancing work, my social life, and school; my confidence in education was restored. Tiffin University not only provides convenience; the curriculum is structured to enrich the student culturally and personally."
Roney McIntyre Jr.
Roney McIntyre Jr.MS in Criminal Justice Student
"Tiffin University is one of the top rated schools for forensics. I love my classes, I love my professors, I love my curriculum. I could not speak more highly of the education I am receiving. All our professors are genuinely interested in seeing us succeed."
Jessica Hollan
Jessica HollanMS in CJ Forensic Psychology Student
"The experience offered by Tiffin University’s School of Business, led by the outstanding faculty, is capable of effectively preparing students for any and all future academic and occupational endeavors. I felt as if TU truly cared about my development, not only as a student, but as a person."
Kyle Lento
Kyle LentoOnline MBA Student
"I am utilizing skills gained from my MBA to operate a business, while also applying theoretical knowledge to daily tasks. Tiffin University gave me that extra boost I needed to move forward in accomplishing my dream of becoming a small business owner.”
Emily Miller
Emily MillerOnline MBA Graduate
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